Narrative Essay
Wouldn’t it be nice if you had telekinetic abilities or you could disappear at any time? While these are just hypothetical situations, but when you’re writing a narrative essay, it allows you to approach these situations as if they’re real. Simply put, narrative essay writing closely resembles story writing and requires you to flex your creative muscles. Not only that , but the narration also requires you to be a good writer.
A narrative essay is similar to writing a story. It is generally anecdotal or experiential. The fundamental purpose of writing this type of essay is to tell the readers a story that you are or were a part of. So, a narrative story is a little more personal than the other genres of essays.
Now, even before you can get to the writing part, you need to decide on an appealing topic. If this is part you’re struggling with, then we have presented a few tips and topic ideas for you to consider. Not just that; we’ve also briefly mentioned the elements of narrative essays and provided a basic outline as well.
Five elements of narrative essay (H2)
A narrative essay has five basic but crucial elements. These essential components keep the narrative running seamlessly and let the action unfold in a logical way so that it’s easier for the readers to follow. These elements include-
· Character
The narrative revolves around characters. The writer needs to introduce the characters with enough information so that the readers can visualize each person. Every narrative should consist of the main character.
· Plot
It is the set of events or occurrences in the essay. A plot should have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
· Setting
This refers to the location, time, and environment in which the event took place.
· Conflict
Every story involves conflict. In fact, the plot revolves around the conflict and the ways in which the characters attempt to resolve it. When the actions in the narrative essay become most exciting, right before the resolution, it’s known as the climax.
· Resolution
The solution to the conflict is the way the action is resolved. It’s essential that the resolution fit the rest of the essay in tone and creativity and solve all aspects of the conflict.
Outline of the narrative essay
Before you start working on your narrative essay, draw up a simple outline like the one mentioned below.
· Introduction
a. Hook
b. A little background on the topic
c. Thesis statement
· Body paragraphs
a. The beginning of the event
b. The climax of the event
c. Resolution
(So, the majority of the main parts of narration generally lies in the body paragraphs)
· Conclusion
a. The message or moral of the story
b. Discussions, comments, and call to action
How to choose a perfect narrative essay topic?
Step 1: Carry out proper brainstorming
You need to devote time to find intriguing ideas for your narrative essay. While brainstorming, let your ideas flow freely, and don’t try to narrow your topic now. Decide whether you want to write a personal or fictional narrative essay. Once you’ve made an extensive list of potential topics, you can select the one that works for you.
Step 2: Focus on a meaningful event
Choose a meaningful event to elaborate on. Check your list of ideas to decide on an event that fits the requirement of your essay paper. Then, narrow down your topic to a single, specific incident. Try not to cover too much in one essay, as this will be too hard for your reader to follow.
Step 3: Determine a theme for your essay
Think about the story you’re going to narrate and how that makes you feel. Also, consider how you want the readers to feel after they read your essay. Depending on your answers to these questions, select a core theme or message for your essay.
Step 4: Select a point of view to narrate the story
Decide whether you’ll write your essay in first person or third person. Your perspective is going to be based on who is telling the story. If you’re going to tell a personal story, your point-of-view should always be in the first person. Similarly, you’ll employ a third-person point-of-view if you’re telling a story about a character or another person other than yourself.
A list of compelling topics on narrative essays
1. My first day in college
2. My biggest fight with my friend
3. The day I learned to swim
4. My journey to a hilly resort
5. The first time I got an A grade in my college paper
6. When I shared my accommodation with a roommate
7. The first night out with my friends in college
8. The person you admire the most in life
9. Attending a friend’s dinner party
10. The time when you went broke
11. Your best day with friends
12. One superpower I’d like to possess
13. The first time I faced rejection and the lesson it taught me
14. How I imagine space exploration should be like in the future
15. A fun and unique holiday tradition in my family
16. An encounter with a fictional character
17. A book that changed my views about life
18. The time when I found hope even amidst a difficult situation
19. The time I indulged in a random act of kindness
20. My experience while volunteering in an old age home.
21. A prized possession of mine.
22. My experience of traveling solo in a foreign country
23. A person who has had the most impact on my life
24. The time when I went scuba diving
25. One misconception I wish I never had
26. My journey to a historical place
27. A hobby that has influenced my life greatly
28. One positive impact of social media that I have experience
29. A chance meeting with a friend I have not been in touch with
30. My biggest fear
31. One personality trait I admire the most in people
In conclusion,
Finding an attractive topic for a narrative essay may seem quite difficult for you. But following the steps mentioned here will help you put together an excellent narrative essay.
